Officer in fatal accident is cleared for duty

His on-the-job driving is restricted

May 1, 2007|By Brittany Wallman Staff Writer

FORT LAUDERDALE — The police officer who struck and killed a pedestrian on Sistrunk Boulevard while responding to a report of gunfire has been cleared for duty, but he's not allowed to drive on emergency calls.

Officer Christopher Young-Tem is "not to operate a city vehicle in any emergency or expedited capacity," an April 17 memo from the police chief states.

Young-Tem's accident is still under investigation, said Capt. Robert Carter, executive officer to Chief Bruce Roberts.

Young-Tem was responding in an unmarked police car to a call for help at Lincoln Park in the 1900 block of Sistrunk Boulevard on March 29 when he struck and killed Donald Perry in the 1200 block, authorities said.

Witnesses said Young-Tem appeared to be traveling more than 70 miles per hour at the time of the accident.

"We don't agree with the restrictions" but the union is not protesting, said Jack Lokeinsky, local president of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Carter said Young-Tem is still on the department's special tactical squad but because of the restriction, he is only allowed to be the "passenger in a two-man car."

Carter said the chief has used such a restriction in the past but the situation "doesn't happen very often."